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Expressionist Art

EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

While “expressionist” is used to describe any art that avoids naturalism and instead employs a bold use of flattened forms and intense brushwork, Expressionist art formally describes early-20th-century work from Europe that drew on Symbolism and confronted issues such as urbanization and capitalism. Expressionist artists experimented in paintings and prints with skewed perspectives, abstraction and unconventional, bright colors to portray how isolating and anxious the world felt rather than how it appeared. 

Between 1905 and 1920, Austrian and German artists, in particular, were inspired by Postimpressionists such as Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh in their efforts to strive for a new authenticity in their work. In its geometric patterns and decorative details, Expressionist art was also marked by eclectic sources like German and Russian folk art as well as tribal art from Africa and Oceania, which the movement’s practitioners witnessed at museums and world’s fairs.

Groups of artists came together to share and promote the themes now associated with Expressionism, such as Die Brücke (The Bridge) in Dresden, which included Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and investigated alienation and the dissolution of society in vivid color. In Munich, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), a group led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, instilled Expressionism with a search for spiritual truths. In his iconic painting The Scream, prolific Norwegian painter Edvard Munch conveyed emotional turmoil through his depiction of environmental elements, such as the threatening sky.

Expressionism shifted around the outbreak of World War I, with artists using more elements of the grotesque in reaction to the escalation of unrest and violence. Printmaking was especially popular, as it allowed artists to widely disseminate works that grappled with social and political issues amid this time of upheaval. Although the art movement ended with the rise of Nazi Germany, where Expressionist creators were labeled “degenerate,” the radical ideas of these artists would influence Neo-Expressionism that emerged in the late 1970s with painters like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francesco Clemente.

​​Find a collection of authentic Expressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Expressionist
Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting
Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting

Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Artist: Bernat Sanjuan i Tarré (Barcelona, 1915 – Deià, Mallorca, 1979) Title: Mediterranean Village of Mallorca Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 × 92 cm (25.6 × 36.2 in) Framed:...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm
View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm

View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Janis Rikmanis (1901.5.IV – 1968.25.III) graduated Figurative painting studio of Latvia Art academy (1931). He took part in exhibitions since 1929. Self-exhibitions were made in Riga...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Horsewoman" is a free copy from K.Bryulov's painting
Horsewoman" is a free copy from K.Bryulov's painting

Horsewoman" is a free copy from K.Bryulov's painting

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Horsewoman" is a free copy from K.Bryulov's painting "landscape of the Volsky Lily. A beautiful and amazing painting is painted according to all the canons of painting. 8 layers of ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sun through flowers
Sun through flowers

Sun through flowers

Located in Oslo, NO

This vibrant artwork captures the warmth of a sunlit interior where tulips dominate the scene. Rich hues of red and purple tulips burst from a textured glass vase, their petals softl...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Oil

1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene
1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene

1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Riverside Scene By Alex Levrat, French 1941 signed & dated oil on board, framed Framed: 15 x 18 inches Board : 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very g...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

"Stars" original lithograph

"Stars" original lithograph

By Wassily Kandinsky

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1938 and published in Paris by Teriade for the art revue Verve (volume 1, number 2). Kandinsky was invited to contribute an original compositi...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women
Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women

Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Yoruba proverb says, "Adániwáyè ò gbagbé enikan; àimàsikò lóndààmú edá", meaning "The Creator does not forget anyone; ignorance of divine timing troubles humans". Difficult times may...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Tulips Blue
Tulips Blue

Tulips Blue

Located in Zofingen, AG

I poured vibrant energy into this piece, blending acrylic, oil pastel, and colored pencil to create bold, expressive tulips that burst with life. The fusion of expressionism, impress...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

"Raskolnikow" original linocut

"Raskolnikow" original linocut

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original linoleum cut. Printed in 1920 for Das Kunstblatt, and published in Berlin by Verlag Gustav Kiepenheuer. Image size: 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches (160 x 105mm). Sheet size: 1...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Linocut

Flowers n°2
Flowers n°2

Flowers n°2

Located in Genève, GE

Signed and dated "Fleurs Genève 1941 n°2", inscription on the verso. Dimensions with frame: 59 x 46 x 5 cm This expressive still life depicts a bouquet of flowers arranged in an orn...

Category

1940s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Begrüssung" original etching
"Begrüssung" original etching

"Begrüssung" original etching

By Käthe Kollwitz

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original etching. Catalogue reference: Klipstein 10. A very rich impression on cream wove paper of this Kollwitz etching, with plate tone. Plate size: 118 x 88mm (4 5/8 x 3 1...

Category

1890s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Night Lights, Original Painting
Night Lights, Original Painting

Night Lights, Original Painting

By Robert Hofherr

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Simplified shapes and colors form a fragmented image of a village and night sky. Accents of warm colors from the moon and houses balance the dominant blue and g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Finding Solace - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral
Finding Solace - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral

Finding Solace - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Ola...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Potted Flowers
Potted Flowers

Charles KvapilPotted Flowers, 1933

$3,661Sale Price|40% Off

Potted Flowers

By Charles Kvapil

Located in London, GB

'Potted Flowers', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1933). Potted red geraniums symbolise happiness, good health, good wishes, and friendship. They are ...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Coin de fonderie" original etching
"Coin de fonderie" original etching

"Coin de fonderie" original etching

By Angèle Delasalle

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original etching. Printed in 1913 and published in Paris by the Revue de l'art ancien et moderne. Plate size: 4 3/8 x 5 5/8 inches (112 x 143 mm). A rich, dark impression on ...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Still-life by Frank Chabry - Oil on cardboard
Still-life by Frank Chabry - Oil on cardboard

Still-life by Frank Chabry - Oil on cardboard

Located in Geneva, CH

Artwork sold with frame (46 x 40 cm) Frank Chabry (also spelled Franck Chabry) (1916–1979) was a Swiss painter and art educator born in Lausanne on April 25, 1916, and passed away i...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Julien Meunie Almond original acrylic painting
Julien Meunie Almond original acrylic painting

Julien Meunie Almond original acrylic painting

By Julen Meunie

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

" ALMOND original acrylic painting. framed Julien was born in 1948 in Vichy, France. He studied art and theater in Clermont-Ferrand at the same time as finishing his degree in Fren...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Colourful French Expressionist Landscape, Promeneur au Pigeonnier
Colourful French Expressionist Landscape, Promeneur au Pigeonnier

Colourful French Expressionist Landscape, Promeneur au Pigeonnier

Located in Cotignac, FR

French landscape, Expressionist oil on board by Jean Arene. The painting is signed bottom left, titled dated and signed to the back and is presented in the original 'Arene' frame sup...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)
French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)

French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)

By Gen Paul

Located in SANTA FE, NM

"A Vase of Flowers" Eugene Paul aka Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975) Oil crayon on paper 20 1/2 x 14 (28 x 21 1/2 frame) inches "Gen Paul is undoubtedly the greatest representative, and...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon

Large Ceramic Head Sculpture – Expressive Textured Surface, Testa Series No. 15
Large Ceramic Head Sculpture – Expressive Textured Surface, Testa Series No. 15

Large Ceramic Head Sculpture – Expressive Textured Surface, Testa Series No. 15

By Óscar Aldonza Torres

Located in FISTERRA, ES

Large ceramic head sculpture with an expressive and textured surface, part of Óscar Aldonza’s Testa series. This monumental head (70 × 36 × 34 cm) is crafted from refractory clay wit...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Clay, Glaze

Be Bold
Be Bold

Be Bold

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"Be Bold" is a striking piece that demands attention from the moment one sets eyes on it. The central figure, a woman with flowing blue hair, exudes an air of confidence and resilience. The blue hue not only serves as an aesthetic choice but also carries deeper significance, representing the freedom to break societal norms and embrace personal identity without fear. The composition is masterfully crafted, with bold brushstrokes and intricate details that draw the viewer into the artwork. The woman's piercing gaze locks with the observer, inviting them to explore their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Each stroke of Theophilus's brush seems to radiate energy and passion, capturing the spirit of the subject and infusing the artwork with a powerful presence. "Be Bold" serves as a powerful symbol of embracing individuality and embracing one's true self. The woman with blue hair stands as a representation of those who dare to be different, challenging societal expectations and norms. The vibrant blue color symbolizes freedom, confidence, and the courage to break free from conformity. In a world that often pressures individuals to fit into predefined molds, Theophilus's artwork is a reminder of the beauty and strength found in embracing one's unique qualities. "Be Bold" calls on viewers to celebrate their differences, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and express their true selves without hesitation or fear of judgment. The power of "Be Bold" lies in its ability to evoke a strong emotional response in those who experience it. The artwork serves as a catalyst for introspection, urging viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. The confident and defiant gaze of the woman with blue hair prompts individuals to question their own limitations and seek the courage to break free from them. By inspiring viewers to be bold, Theophilus encourages self-empowerment and personal growth. Through his art, he instills a sense of pride and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness is a strength to be celebrated, not hidden away. The artwork's impact extends beyond the confines of the gallery walls, inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. "Be Bold" by Adewuyi Theophilus...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Light and Stone in Harmony Sway, Oil Painting
Light and Stone in Harmony Sway, Oil Painting

Light and Stone in Harmony Sway, Oil Painting

By Crystal DiPietro

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Soft light hits two peaks, casting soft, blue shadows on the cliffs below. In the foreground, a meadow lights up with small, dancing trees. The composition and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Marc Chagall, Paradise II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956
Marc Chagall, Paradise II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956

Marc Chagall, Paradise II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Paradis II (Paradise II), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, originates from the September 1956 issue published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1956. This luminous composition portrays the splendor of Paradise, filled with light, harmony, and divine presence. Through his poetic use of line and ethereal symbolism, Chagall evokes the spiritual unity between humanity and the divine, capturing the purity and joy of creation. Paradis II reflects the artist’s enduring belief in love and beauty as transcendent forces, transforming a biblical vision into a universal celebration of faith and imagination. The work forms part of Chagall’s celebrated series of lithographs and drawings created for Dessins Pour La Bible, a monumental project uniting art, scripture, and mysticism in one of the artist’s most important achievements. Executed as a lithograph on velin du Marais paper, this work measures 14 x 10.5 inches (35.56 x 26.67 cm). Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the superb craftsmanship of the Mourlot Freres atelier, renowned for its collaborations with the greatest modern masters of the 20th century. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Paradis II (Paradise II), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, September 1956 Medium: Lithograph on velin du Marais paper Dimensions: 14 x 10.5 inches (35.56 x 26.67 cm) Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1956 Publisher: Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue raisonne references: Cain, Julien, and Fernand Mourlot. Chagall Lithographe. Andre Sauret, Editeur, 1960, illustrations 117–46. Cramer, Patrick, and Meret Meyer. Marc Chagall: Catalogue Raisonne Des Livres Illustrés. P. Cramer ed., 1995, illustration 25. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, 1956 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), This double issue of Verve is dedicated to the full reproduction in heliogravure of the one hundred-five plates etched by Marc Chagall, between 1930 and 1955, for the illustration of the Bible. The artist composed especially for the present work, sixteen lithographs in color and twelve in black, as well as the cover and the title page. This volume was completed and printed on September 10, 1956, by the Master Printers Draeger Freres for heliogravure, and by Mourlot Freres for lithography. About the Publication: Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), published as Verve Vol. VIII, No. 33–34 in September 1956, represents one of the crowning achievements of Chagall’s lifelong dialogue with the sacred. Conceived and directed by the visionary publisher Teriade and printed by the master lithographers Mourlot Freres, the issue features thirty-four color lithographs and numerous black-and-white drawings inspired by biblical figures and stories. Chagall’s works for this edition unite text and image in a luminous meditation on divine creation, moral struggle, and spiritual renewal, imbued with his signature dreamlike symbolism and radiant color. Produced in postwar Paris, this landmark publication reaffirmed the enduring union of art and faith, establishing Dessins Pour La Bible as one of the most important illustrated works of the 20th century. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Paradis...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Hoopoe bird
Hoopoe bird

Hoopoe bird

Located in Zofingen, AG

In painting this hoopoe, I poured my fascination for nature's intricate designs into every stroke of oil paint. With a blend of realism and expressionism, I sought to capture not jus...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

Expressionist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of orange, blue, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Iryna Kastsova, George Grosz, Stephen Basso, and Marc Chagall. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist art, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.